Draw Near

Why don't Catholics believe in sola scriptura (Scripture alone) as the authority of faith? This is a common question posed to Catholics, but are we prepared to answer it? In this episode of Draw Near, Fred and Kara take up this question of authority pulling from Scripture itself. What is Divine Revelation? It is Scripture and Tradition, and the Magisterium of the Church is at the service of what h...

It Is Well by Bethel Music. Cover by Fred and Kara with Draw Near. To celebrate the Feast of Pentecost, and the launch of our new ministry effort, "I See a Movement", we decided to make some cover songs available for everyone. We enjoy doing music together and offering praise to the Lord. We pray it will be a blessing to you! To book us for your next event or worship, click booking information . W...

I Shall Not Want by Audrey Assad. Cover by Fred and Kara with Draw Near. To celebrate the Feast of Pentecost, and the launch of our new ministry effort, "I See a Movement", we decided to make some cover songs available for everyone. For access to MORE covers, become a PATRON for as low as $5 a month. Patrons, you will have access to our music simply by being a patron. To become a Patron, go to: ht...

Continuing our series of lectio discussions, in this episode we look at one of Fred's favorite passages in all of Scripture: Phil 4:4-9. Paul's words to the Philippians are packed full of encouragement and guidance in how we are to follow Christ. Can we rejoice? More importantly, can we rejoice... always? Even in the midst of difficult circumstances? St Paul wrote to Timothy, "Follow me as I follo...

In what is likely the most deeply personal, vulnerable, and passionate Draw Near discussion we have ever offered listeners, we decided to share exactly what is at the heart of what we do. What has the Lord put on our hearts? How does it shape our ministry together? The lives of our families? What do we see as our vision and goals? For the past three years we have talked about these things in passi...

In this episode we continue our Lenten lectio divina Scripture reflections by taking a look at the account of the Lame Beggar at the Beautiful Gate. Here we see Peter and John look at him intently, though they could not offer him the money he was asking for, it did not prevent their fixed and loving attention on him. What they offer the man was something even greater than he asked for. Prayer. Jes...

In this episode, we take a different approach than usual, by doing a Lectio Divina together on Matthew 11:28-30. What we offer in this episode is a much deeper, personal and more vulnerable reflection on our walk with Christ and how He is working in our lives during this season; in and through the launch of our full time apostolate work, and especially during Lent. We discuss the things that are w...

It's Ash Wednesday! Our Lenten journey has begun. In this "shortie" episode, Fred offers a reflection on the readings for the day: in particular, the words, “Return to me with your whole heart…” What do these words mean? What is the Lord calling us to and reminding us of? What can we learn from our tendencies in our human relationships? How do we avoid growing cold in our love and taking our belov...

At times the world of sports can seem to run headlong into conflict with the world of faith. Studies and lived world experience seem to reveal that at least in the hearts and minds of many, participation in and consumption of sports entertainment take the priority over matters of faith and worship on any given Sunday. This can be found even in the pressures placed upon young people. What is this t...

Trigger Warning: Infant Loss and Miscarriage In this episode we are joined by our friends Danny and Ashley Swalve as we discuss their journey of coming to a deeper faith in Christ and how that has shaped their marriage and helped them to find great hope even through otherwise overwhelmingly difficult circumstances. At the heart of their testimony is their story of surrender and trust in God's will...

Week 10 discussion on "Jesus, Mary, and the Saints" from the I Believe in Love book study led by Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell from the [Draw Near](drawnear.me) podcast!! This book is a personal retreat based on the teachings of St. Therese of Lisieux written by: Book by Fr Jean C J D'Elbee Read Conference 10 (pgs. 257-280) Listen to this discussion of Conference 10 between Fred and Kara. Dis...

We have a new podcast coming out on January 24th, 2023! This weekly, year-long show is called, "My Lord & My God," based on the words of St. Thomas. Our focus in every episode will be helping listeners to encounter Christ in the Eucharist and to better understand this most beautiful and sacred mystery: Christ present, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. We will explore Scripture, the teachings of...

We have a new podcast coming out on January 24th, 2023! This weekly, year-long show is called, "My Lord & My God," based on the words of St. Thomas. Our focus in every episode will be helping listeners to encounter Christ in the Eucharist and to better understand this most beautiful and sacred mystery: Christ present, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. We will explore Scripture, the teachings of...

We have a new podcast coming out on January 24th, 2023! This weekly, year-long show is called, "My Lord & My God," based on the words of St. Thomas. Our focus in every episode will be helping listeners to encounter Christ in the Eucharist and to better understand this most beautiful and sacred mystery: Christ present, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. We will explore Scripture, the teachings of...

We have a new podcast coming out on January 24th, 2023! This weekly, year-long show is called, "My Lord & My God," based on the words of St. Thomas. Our focus in every episode will be helping listeners to encounter Christ in the Eucharist and to better understand this most beautiful and sacred mystery: Christ present, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. We will explore Scripture, the teachings of...

We have a new podcast coming out on January 24th, 2023! This weekly, year-long show is called, "My Lord & My God," based on the words of St. Thomas. Our focus in every episode will be helping listeners to encounter Christ in the Eucharist and to better understand this most beautiful and sacred mystery: Christ present, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. We will explore Scripture, the teachings of...

"Treat me like a human being." These were the words of a friend of ours recounting a difficult situation to us recently. These words have stuck with us since. We - like so many we'd be willing to guess - often speak of the "dignity of the human person," and yet belief in that dignity is not always evident in the experiences of daily life. Christ tells us that the world will know us by our love for...

The hosts of Draw Near, Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell, have a new podcast coming out on January 24th . This show is called, "My Lord & My God," based on the words of St. Thomas. It will be centered on the Eucharist... helping people understand this great mystery and come to a deeper encounter with the love of Christ through the Eucharist. Be sure to subscribe/follow on your favorite podca...

Enjoy some lighthearted fun and conversation with our good friend, Phillip Grothus! Back by popular demand, in this bonus episode as we begin the new year, Fred and Phillip battle in an exchange of dad jokes to see who can make Kara laugh. Will she crack? Who will be the winner? This is really just pure silly fun and we hope you enjoy it! Happy New Year! We will be back with the usual Draw Near di...

Week 9 discussion on "The Eucharist" from the I Believe in Love book study led by Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell from the [Draw Near](drawnear.me) podcast!! This book is a personal retreat based on the teachings of St. Therese of Lisieux written by: Book by Fr Jean C J D'Elbee Read Conference 9 (pgs. 219-256) Listen to this discussion of Conference 9 between Fred and Kara. Discuss the followin...

Week 8 discussion on "The Cross" from the I Believe in Love book study led by Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell from the [Draw Near](drawnear.me) podcast!! This book is a personal retreat based on the teachings of St. Therese of Lisieux written by: Book by Fr Jean C J D'Elbee Read Conference 8 (pgs. 195-218) Listen to this discussion of Conference 8 between Fred and Kara. Discuss the following di...

Week 7 discussion on "The Apostolate" from the I Believe in Love book study led by Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell from the [Draw Near](drawnear.me) podcast!! This book is a personal retreat based on the teachings of St. Therese of Lisieux written by: Book by Fr Jean C J D'Elbee Read Conference 7 Listen to this discussion of Conference 7 between Fred and Kara. Discuss the following discussion q...

Week 6 discussion on "Fraternal Charity" from the I Believe in Love book study led by Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell from the [Draw Near](drawnear.me) podcast!! This book is a personal retreat based on the teachings of St. Therese of Lisieux written by: Book by Fr Jean C J D'Elbee Read Conference 6 Listen to this discussion of Conference 6 between Fred and Kara. Discuss the following discussio...

Continuing to share some of our favorite Christmas stories this holiday season, here is a a classic that may just bring you to tears: "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry. For this reading, Fred is joined by Siouxland Catholic Radio's, Joanne Fox, who narrates. He is also joined by his wife, Krystal, in the role of Della and his daughter who plays the part of Mrs. Sofronie.

For a limited time, as a "Christmas gift" to our listeners, please enjoy our full discussion from our I Believe in Love book study on the fifth chapter of this life changing book. Here we discuss the desires of our hearts, how are we to follow and discern those desires, and how the Lord has given us gifts to build the kingdom. Shorter than a typical episode of Draw Near, but also a bit more person...